The famous green and purple Wimbledon towels, manufactured in India, have become a popular item among tennis players, with many admitting to taking them home after matches. Despite each towel costing around £40 (over Rs 4,600), several players have taken them as souvenirs, including top names like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Iga Swiatek.
Made in India towels from Gujarat at Wimbledon
The towels are made by Christy, a company based in Stockport, Cheshire, which was acquired by Welspun Living in 2006. Christy has been supplying towels to Wimbledon since 1987 and ever since the company was taken over by Welspun Living, the towels have been coming to the Grand Slam from their Vapi plant in Gujarat.
The towels are used by players during matches to wipe sweat and deal with moisture. Every year, the company produces two designs - the traditional green and purple, and a special seasonal design. This year’s seasonal version is in aqua and sky blue.
According to The Sunday Times, Wimbledon’s court services team has reported that about 500 towels a day have gone missing during the first few days of the 2025 Championships. Staff have now been told not to try and recover the iconic towels from players. The report further stated that around 2,799 towels have already been handed out in the first week of the tournament but only 828 were returned to the staff.
Swiatek, Federer, Djokovic among stars who take them home
Poland’s Iga Swiatek, after winning her first-round match, admitted to trying to take several towels for her family and friends. “It’s like a topic no one talks about. We love our towels, you know. Every time I come back from a Slam, I have like 10 friends and 10 family members wanting towels. So, sorry guys, sorry Wimbledon,” Swiatek said with a smile after her first round match last week.
“I have a lot at home, trust me. If I play 15 more years, I’ll have to build another room in my house just for Grand Slam towels,” she added.
Now retired tennis legend Roger Federer had once said he has a “big collection” of Wimbledon towels, calling them “a good gift.” 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic once mentioned that he keeps a separate suitcase for towels to take home, saying they bring happiness to his close ones.